W W Woo1, K A Lim, H Yang, X Y Lim, F Liew, Y S Lee, S M Saw. 1. Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Block MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 229899.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Refractive errors are becoming more of a problem in many societies, with prevalence rates of myopia in many Asian urban countries reaching epidemic proportions. This study aims to determine the prevalence rates of various refractive errors in Singapore medical students. METHODS: 157 second year medical students (aged 19-23 years) in Singapore were examined. Refractive error measurements were determined using a stand-alone autorefractor. Additional demographical data was obtained via questionnaires filled in by the students. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of myopia in Singapore medical students was 89.8 percent (Spherical equivalence (SE) at least -0.50 D). Hyperopia was present in 1.3 percent (SE more than +0.50 D) of the participants and the overall astigmatism prevalence rate was 82.2 percent (Cylinder at least 0.50 D). CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates of myopia and astigmatism in second year Singapore medical students are one of the highest in the world.
INTRODUCTION: Refractive errors are becoming more of a problem in many societies, with prevalence rates of myopia in many Asian urban countries reaching epidemic proportions. This study aims to determine the prevalence rates of various refractive errors in Singapore medical students. METHODS: 157 second year medical students (aged 19-23 years) in Singapore were examined. Refractive error measurements were determined using a stand-alone autorefractor. Additional demographical data was obtained via questionnaires filled in by the students. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of myopia in Singapore medical students was 89.8 percent (Spherical equivalence (SE) at least -0.50 D). Hyperopia was present in 1.3 percent (SE more than +0.50 D) of the participants and the overall astigmatism prevalence rate was 82.2 percent (Cylinder at least 0.50 D). CONCLUSION: Prevalence rates of myopia and astigmatism in second year Singapore medical students are one of the highest in the world.
Authors: Yi-Ju Li; Jeremy A Guggenheim; Anuradha Bulusu; Ravikanth Metlapally; Diana Abbott; Francois Malecaze; Patrick Calvas; Thomas Rosenberg; Sandrine Paget; Rosalind C Creer; George Kirov; Michael J Owen; Bei Zhao; Tristan White; David A Mackey; Terri L Young Journal: Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci Date: 2009-03-25 Impact factor: 4.799
Authors: Diana Abbott; Yi-Ju Li; Jeremy A Guggenheim; Ravikanth Metlapally; Francois Malecaze; Patrick Calvas; Thomas Rosenberg; Sandrine Paget; Tetyana Zayats; David A Mackey; Sheng Feng; Terri L Young Journal: Mol Vis Date: 2012-03-26 Impact factor: 2.367